Fort Snelling 1861–1946

With the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Fort Snelling expanded its limestone walls into this area, formerly part of the U.S. Indian Agency and the location of the fort's gardens. After the war, as the frontier moved west, the fort, as headquarters of the Department of Dakota, administered and supplied dozens of western posts. After 1898, as the military took on an increasing world role, the fort continued to grow, with brick buildings along Taylor Avenue including a hospital, offices, barracks, and officers' quarters, and support facilities opposite the parade grounds including stables, workshops, and warehouses. During World War I the fort expanded to some 400 structures. Minnesota recruits for both world wars first entered service here, and many others served between the wars in the Third Infantry and other units long associated with what was then known as the "Country Club of the Army." Fort Snelling closed in 1946 after its long role in the development of the Northwest.

Minnesota · United States